Our thanks to all those who participated in the 30 July Bivouac at Collingwood. The event reinforced our challenge to uphold Truth, Justice, and Patriotism toward our country as demonstrated by those original Heroes of '76. Our next Bivouac is scheduled for Wednesday, 29 October at Collingwood. Each of us should look for a Sojourner who you'd like to have join our Heroes ranks. Locate and bring a Hero who has been out on patrol. And we'll look to welcome our Ladies and Camp Followers to a successful outing.

This month we remember July 1776: Brother Benjamin Franklin was a key player in the development of the Declaration of Independence. The document was approved by Congress on 1 July, adopted on 4 July, read in Philadelphia on 8 July, and read to every brigade of the Continental Army on 9 July. Brother George Washington, commander of the Continental Army, also faced challenges in New York City. British General Howe arrived on 2 July followed by troops that landed on Staten Island. Brother Washington politely refused Howe's offer of clemency to the American rebels. This summer, think of those men encamped around New York. Wool uniforms. No air conditioning. No ice. Limited fresh water and food. Digging trenches and fortifications. Average temperature was 85 degrees.

EIAR, Les Albers